Posted in Buckingham Palace, Kate Middleton, Prince Edward, Prince Philip, Prince William, Prince of Wales, Royal Family, Royalty, The Queen on October 16th, 2006
According to a report in the UK’s People Sunday newspaper, Prince William will be made Duke of Cambridge on his marriage.
If this information is true it shows that the Palace is quietly making preparations for a wedding between the Prince and Kate Middleton, who will become Duchess of Cambridge. The earlier May/June wedding “pencilled-in” story is now looking decidedly feasible.
The last Royal Duke of Cambridge died in 1904 after causing a stir by marrying an actress — a big deal in those days. Prince Edward was suggested for the Dukedom on his marriage, but it was decided to give him the lesser title of Earl of Wessex while he waits to inherit his father’s title of Duke of Edinburgh.
The People goes on : “The decision shows the Queen now believes it’s only a matter of time before the couple — who have been dating for five years [sic] — get married. We told last month how Wills was being urged to propose to Kate, 24, within months. And a highly-placed source said: ‘Kate is being quietly groomed for her new role. The Queen thinks she’s a natural and a perfect consort for William. The Dukedom will be an interim title for Wills while he waits to inherit his father’s title of Prince of Wales when Charles becomes King.”
Last week’s announcement that William will become Ranger of Windsor is another indication that the Royal Family is steadily putting his future domestic arrangements in place.
Posted in Countess of Wessex, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward, Royal Family, Royalty, The Queen on April 17th, 2006
The Queen and other members of the Royal Family attended the traditional Easter Sunday Service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor yesterday.
The number of Royals attending this year was down compared to last Easter. Speculation has it that most of the family are waiting for the celebrations of the Queen’s 80th birthday later in the week.
The jollifications at Sandhurst, where Prince Harry graduated as Second Lieutenant Wales this week, may also have had an effect on the turnout.
The Queen was joined by her daughter-in-law, the Countess of Wessex and they were driven back together to the castle.
The Duke of Edinburgh, the Duke of York and the Earl of Wessex returned to the main royal residence on foot.
Posted in Kate Middleton, Prince Edward, Prince Harry, Prince William, Royal Family, Royalty, Syntagma Media on February 18th, 2006
Prince William on Army manoeuvres this week.
Spare a thought for Prince William, the Soldier Prince currently undergoing gruelling training at Sandhurst Military Academy.
By now he will have finished a bone-wearying 40-mile yomp through the snowy Black Mountains of Wales in temperatures of minus 10 celsius. Carrying a heavy kitbag and sleeping out of doors, the Prince was one of 300 recruits who started the trek on Wednesday night. Up to one-third will have dropped out by the end.
The latest information is that, 24-hours in, William looked utterly exhausted and near-frozen but, despite occasional halts, pushed himself almost to the limits of his endurance.
Operation Long Reach is part test of stamina and part initiative assessment. It requires cadets to navigate between nine checkpoints and demonstrate leadership qualities under stress.
It must be particularly hard for William who, as future King, will be head of the Armed Forces one day. Memories of Prince Edward’s failure in the Marines will be particularly poignant, as will the gritty success of younger brother Prince Harry.
As I write, the Prince will be recovering from his ordeal. He has clearly deserved a hilarious weekend in the company of court jester, Guy Pelly, and the less tempestuous Kate Middleton.
Posted in Countess of Wessex, Prince Edward, Royal Family, Royalty on January 20th, 2006
Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, was born 41 years ago today. The official Royal website informs us:
Born on 20 January 1965 at the Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford, Miss Sophie Rhys-Jones is the only daughter of Mr. and the late Mrs. Christopher Rhys-Jones, and younger sister of David.
In 1999 Miss Rhys-Jones married HRH The Earl of Wessex in St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. As HRH The Countess of Wessex, she undertakes public duties for her own charities, and acts in support of her husband in his roles.
On his marriage to Miss Sophie Rhys-Jones in 1999, he was created The Earl of Wessex and Viscount Severn. At the same time it was announced that His Royal Highness will be given the title Duke of Edinburgh in due course, when the present title now held by Prince Philip eventually reverts to the Crown.
